Manhunt 2 receives AO rating

"The content of Manhunt 2 and the unique physical interaction with the Wii control combine to take [the game's simulation] a level closer to reality--we can expect that the effects of this experience will be even greater." Here's the thing, it's not "reality".

They should rate it M and issue a statement to gaming distributers to have cosumers issues ID's or have a gardian approving of the purchase of the game. ...Something that should've been happening since the begining. Sad thing is that kids will still probably get a hands on the game (as always), parents will get pissed and then blame the developer for somethign they should've had a handle on from the beginning. Thus, going back to the whole "videogames promoting violence" and "parents should control their kids' purchase of mature content" arguement.

Hmmm... an interesting thought...with the uber popularity of the Wii, perhaps this is what the ESRB and it's advocates have been waiting for. Giving a Wii game an AO tag will no doubt get the message across to a wider audience who normally wouldn't pay attenetion to such things. Take-Two/Rockstar seemingly just might have been punked...

sooo....flop?

"The content of Manhunt 2 and the unique physical interaction with the Wii control combine to take the game's simulation a level closer to reality." It makes sense. You might see someone actually using the Nunchuk+Wiimote to choke people in real life. :o I think the Wii version will be the most controversial due to this.

this is a bit too far with games. the Wii is the cause of this as people can actually saw someones head off with the Wii controller which is a bit weird. gta is not this sick. doing it on a playstation is not so bad but the only people who actually want to go and phisically want to saw someones head, or stab someone in the back, actually doing the motions are weird. PS2to-the-end you do not seem to understand whu BBFC banned the game, watch the news, get some real facts. get a kid to play thre game and he'll be rocking in his bed all night looking round his back to check for murderers or something. It's an adult game and only adults should play it.

I do think a lot of kids shouldn't play this, it depends on the individual. Some kids just are straight up crazy, but some just are normal. I think the rating system needs to be there, but it is pretty stupid that it's WAY more harsh than the movie ratings. I remember back in 8th grade trying to get my get my parents to allow me to buy Metal Gear Solid, cuz that was the first time they saw a "M" game (18+). I couldn't believe it was M. The same thing happens occasionaly now. I'm 22 so it doesn't matter much, but I'm gonna watch out for my future kids too.

An AO game on the Wii? Now there's something I never thought I'd see... :P

Why are you people sooo concerned? Ill say it again EB/Gamestop has NO POLICY AGAINST SELLING AO GAMES! buy it there as far as Wal-Mart goes, they sold GTA:SA when it was re-rated AO.... hypocritical BS, someone has to say somthing, someone educated with a lawyer outside of the Videogame Industry then mabey theyll listen....the only reason this is a problem is because various groups in a joint effort go out and rally for this kind of crap to happen...and with all this talk about "abusing our freedom rights" We have no rallies on our sides...we cant do anything unless people are willing to (and not that online petition crap that accomplishes nothing and is just a cyst on any cause)

Those of you upset by this news probably shouldn't be playing the game anyhow. If you can buy AO games then you will get the game...if you can't you shouldn't be playing it anyhow.

PS2to-the-end... You may be the sweetest thing on the planet, but your post is exactly the reason watchdog groups exist. Sure, it isn't fair, to be controlled, but your "from the hip" response is ammo for them to you against you.

that's just a buncha BS. i'm a kid who used to play gta 1, 2, and 3... but did i ever kill any body? NO! IVE WATCHED TONS OF OUTRAGEOUSLY VIOLENT MOVIES AND LISTEN TO SERIOUSLY VIOLENT MUSIC! WHAT"S THE BIG PROBLEM WITH A VIOLENT VIDEO GAME? SCREW ANYBODY WHO"S EVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH VIOLENCE! /GO GET A LIFE U STUPID WATCHDOG GROUP!

The purpose of these organizations isn't to keep kids from playing games, at least not directly. Its more to inform boneheaded parents that this particular game may be more harmful to your kids than say Katamari, or even the random demon slaying in a Devil May Cry. Adults Only games should only be sold to and played by Adults, and I think Manhunt can fit into that description easily. It simulates one guy killing another, if not realistically then certainly viscerally. Heh just wait till it gets to the point that the games start making you feel bad for killing a guy. Come out of that Vietnam game with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

i haven't seen the game but just from what ive heard here it seems to me the rating is well deserved. Its not a restriction of anything its simply that the game is violent and dark enough that it should be kept from the public. Little kids buy M games all the time without they're parents, you see them all the time paying kids over 18 to buy them for them. this just makes it harder for them to get ahold of them. I do think the AO rating is a death sentance for sales, which means that they have to either cut the game, or cut some of the violence that gets it the AO. Its not picking on video games, its in the same way that if a movie is X they are gonna have to cut it so they can show it in normal theatres. and the whole 17 and 18 thing is crap. the 17+ is because no kid should be able to watch the R rated content without parent approval or knowledge. the reason its only one year difference is because once your 18 your an adult and you can do pretty much anything you want. you can buy XXX movies, which i think most would agree are far worse than R. That's the one year difference. Saying you should make an AO game that deserves to be AO an M game is wrong. Now if its just because of the wii i dunno how i feel about that. i understand that doing a larger motion has a greater affect because your more physically involved, but i don't know if a systems control setup can be used to justify affecting the rating...

I feel like playing this game more now since it got an AO rating.

What are they blabbering on about "The Health of Children"? Either way, M or AO, this game is not going to legaly reach the hands of children and even if they rate it AO, kids can download it off the internet or whatever.

Well, you don't see too many games getting AO ratings nowadays. Seriously, if its these organizations that are pressuring these people into rating games like this, then that's pathetic. Mature titles shouldn't even be in kids hands in the first place! They could even develop a system for when that game was realesed if they could get it to be mature without cutting off too much. Before the game is bought at retailers, the workers there could be instructed to go into very good detail about the content that they are about to purchase. It's a shame really.

"Personally I know i've grown up on video games and i'd consider myself pretty tame heck some of the more violent games are great for letting steam out or helping reduce stress levels especially when growing up didn't mean i was going to do those things, but that was because my parents taught me right and that these things are not real and doing the things in some of the violent games would just be plain stupid and would have consequences." I agree, games don't make people violent. They may bring to the surface deep-rooted problems caused by bad parenting etc.. but they don't MAKE people violent. If anything the ESRB should be rating parents to see if they raised their children well enough to handle these games...

I don't get why its the fault of video games that children have violent behaviour. I have played tons of violent, over-the-top, video games, and I'm one of the least aggresive people you'll ever find. Its not the video game industry's fault, its the parents', for not being more careful with what their children play.

The game is not for children. What is the problem? If Hostel and Saw are rated R, then this should be rated M. Their basically saying this game is equivalent to porn. Makes absolutely no sense.

Tiest0, take a prozac and stay tuned. Nothing has changed yet...

The AO rating wouldn't be as big of a deal if bigger companies would learn to accept selling those heck you go to a local walmart these games are behind cases anyways so it shouldn't matter if it has an AO sticker plopped on. Personally I know i've grown up on video games and i'd consider myself pretty tame heck some of the more violent games are great for letting steam out or helping reduce stress levels especially when growing up didn't mean i was going to do those things, but that was because my parents taught me right and that these things are not real and doing the things in some of the violent games would just be plain stupid and would have consequences.

"harmful effects of ultra-violent video games on children will be magnified by playing them on the interactive Nintendo Wii system." Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not believe there has been a single study that concludes violent video games are in any way linked to real life violence. With that in mind, how can the claim moving the controller with your had will magnify the "damage" over the "damage" cause by pressing buttons with your fingers? It is always sad how low politicians will sink to float their careers.

parents should take the responsibility of what games kids should play - not some organization. It is censorship - whats next? can't download games?

I'm starting to think that this might backfire on those video game activists. If they hadn't made a big fuss over this game, then people would've probably either bought it like they were planning, or completely ignore it. But censoring or banning something just makes people want it more. Here's a solution: Release 2 versions of the game. Sell the M-rated Manhunt 2 in the regular electronic stores. Sell the AO rated version as a "Limited Edition" or "Uncut" version that you can either buy online or at a game store like EB games.

wats the difference between this and an R rated movie?

I dont know how to even respond to this... all I can say is I'm so angry at this decision that I'm almost at a loss for words. This is my number one anticipated game coming out for the Wii. I have it preordered at ebgames and I literally have been counting down the days. Now this could destroy this game and everything I was hoping for. This was the game that I felt was going to open everyones eyes and let other game developers know that a Mature game could sell on the Wii and be successful. I'm sick of seeing this kid like games, full of mini games... I bought the Wii for a different unique experince. Not to play a bunch of kid games. This was the game to prove there are gamers who are mature and hardcore on the Wii.... But one thing is certain I will not buy it if they cut out any of the original content... I will boycott their decision. I think that is unacceptable. I want to play this game how it was originally intended... not some watered down "wii" version... i've seen and played enough bull sh** like that already. I hope Rockstar realizes they will lose faithfull fans if they do this... Rockstar has always been the ones who break through boundaries, the Wii needs this game for us Hardcore gamers... I'm 22 years old and want to play this game how it was originaly intended... AO or not I dont care... just I will not buy a watered down game...I wont... please rockstar don't ruin it for us Adult gamers... and believe it or not they are out there on the Wii

i'm happy it got that rating...this isn't meant for children for christ's sake...it says right in the tite "MAN HUNT" if parents are stupid to flip over a game box and read WARNING this game is for adults only due to "blood and gore, extreme violence and brutality, use of drugs and alcohol, and Strong Sexual content" they should be persecuted not the product. If a child obtains tobacco or alcohol are the companies who manufacture this held liable? No, politicians just like to attack video games so the public will have something to rant about besides how bad of an administration we have. Not to mention the fact that Hostel is probably a lot more brutal than any video game. Is Eli Roth being banned? lol NO. I think blaming a source of media for your lack of guidance and over abundance of lazy is simply the stupidity of america.

I wasn't going to get this game as I'm into the 360 now and have lent my Ps2 to a friend. But if Rockstar has the stones to go ahead and release the same AO version being banned in England than I'll buy it just to support the freedom of speech. Remember when Nintendo was big into non bloody games back when Mortal Kombat came out. And even though the SNES version was technically a better game, the Genesis version with all the blood and fatalities intact far outsold Nintendo's version and they lost so much money that when MK2 came out the blood was put back in.

The ESRB needs to realize that an M rating hardly limits any games sales vs. that of a T rating. They need to come up with something between M and AO that puts restrictions on how a game can be sold, but not as restrictive as AO. Something like M+ would do the trick. Still, it makes you wonder how different the content of Manhunt 2 is versus what Manhunt 1 was. Would Manhunt 2 have been given an AO rating a year or two ago? I doubt it. This stinks of political backlash.

Well, it looks like Gamestops will have to put in a room in their stores, accessable only through a beaded curtain with a sign posted above stating "18 years and older only". If Manhunt 2 would be too lonely back there, they could always put those wierd as hell Japanese imports back there too!

Two versions,I support that idea.Still,you gotta know the risks.That lowers the chances of retailers selling the AO rated version even more,which you know,would be a shame.They know people will still buy it no matter what the rating.

I have one question... Is the Wii the only version being Rated AO, or is also AO for the other platforms? Chances are it may not even been that good for the Wii. Since it is such a radically different control scheme and this is Rockstar's first major game with the Wii. I'm thinking about just getting this for my PS2

i read an article in a gaming magazine about manhunt 2 a couple months ago. they said the violence was way more intense than the original. they even discribe one of the executions. its brutal, and its no surprise the game recieved an AO rating. its well deserved in my opinion. id like to notify the stupidity of the "Campaign for a Commerical-Free Childhood" as well. they, alike similar groups, anti-video game activists, and politicians, believe that all video games are directed toward children. this subject has been discussed before. gamers range from all ages, not just children and teenagers, and games like this are not directed toward children and teenagers. but these groups remain ignorant. like the Take-Two representative said, "Manhunt 2 was created for mature audiences..."

Rockstar are probaly the best game company EVER and thats just reducin the profits coz it would sell GREAT.... o well wen i go 2 Miami on holiday ill get it

AO for Manhunt 2 is good. If Take Two wants to take this game back to the cutting floor, by all means that is their right. As flawed and as goofy as these ratings are, they're there for a reason. With that said, I want to play the AO version on my Wii. So, make sure it comes out Take Two. You guys have gotten enough of my money over the years.

yo aka_hal and all of you that think these games shouldnt be played by kids M for mature is 17 or up KIDS ARNT 17 therefore no kid should play it if its A/0 which is 18 tahts one year different if parents are letting there kids play those rated 17 plus there dumb and are prolly gonna let them play A/o games stupid

I'm actually surprised the ESRB "decided" to give it an AO rating. I wonder why? The response from Childhood program and others, that was predictable. But who in their right mind would buy a kid a $50 game that was rating M or above. The rating system is great, it's the adults who don't watch what their kids are playing that's a problem. Let's work on that first.

You can't keep the game "Unrated" as that would be RP essentially. While ESRB ratings aren't mandatory everywhere, I think in some places besides NY, they are. I'll say it again: release a general copy that's rated M and another "Director's Cut"-type that's AO. That would solve the problem.

Manhunt 2 iz 4 da kidz! So is ze Wiii!!!ii!!ii!i!I! Umm, yeah... They should make 2 versions of the game, one the AO untouched, make it the directors cut, then make the watered down M version so stupid parents can buy it for their kids and watch in horror as they take axes to groins. Hey, I'm an adult, I don't support Walmart, I'll buy this game as is!

aka_hal you gotta be kidding me. You're wondering why we are annoyed? It is very very unlikely that Rockstar will ship Manhunt with an AO rating. ESPECIALLY for the nintendo Wii. Also, most major retailers refuse to sell AO games. The reason I am alittle annoyed is now, Rockstar has to soften it up due to Censorship.

Man I cant wait to play it!!! Hopefully they keep the AO rating!

I'll still buy it if it's rated AO. Too bad it's not for gamecube, Xbox, or Xbox 360! :(

I agree with Andrew _LL and release this game as "Unrated" which probably is impossible since I doubt the ESRB gives out that rating and Manhunt 2 has been rated all ready. But it would be nice since it would be one big "**** you" to the people who are against these types of games.

Wow.This could be the first ever AO rated game I get...somehow.

I don't see why people still blame video games for violence in children. I have played all the sickest and violent games out there, and I am probably one of the most passive people out there, because I was raised in a good home with great parenting. All the blaming is from lazy parents who like to blame their faults on something else.

I can't say I understand why so many of you are annoyed with this game receiving an AO rating. It's not like it can't be sold anywhere and if stores think this will be a big enough seller they still might consider stocking it. It's rated AO so there is no chance someone too young to play it will play it. Seriously, have any of you looked at any of the pictures for this game??? I don't think I'd want a child to have a chance to play this game. The pictures look excessively violent and the thought of doing some of those things with a Wii controller makes me shudder. I'm not against violent video games, I play my share, but I do think this game has most likely received a fair rating. Not that any of us can be fully confident of that yet because it isn't even released at this moment.

Hey wait a second... its rated AO! The Wii has an AO game! Take that Sony and Microsoft fanboys! *runs away*

If a movie like Hostel can be released without an X rating, then there is no reason Manhunt 2 can't be released at an M rating. Its almost laughable when they say "harmful effects of ultra-violent video games on chidlren will be magnified...." Its basically an outright admission that they believe parents are too stupid and irresponsible to monitor what their children are playing. Manhunt 2 most certainly deserves at least an M rating. That rating designates the game is for MATURE audiences. Last I checked that didn't include "children."

Good. And rate GTAIV AO too. I just don't understand after GTA was proven to have caused violence that they continue to make more. I back Jack Thompson for Manhunt and 'Auto, but most of the other times he's being an ass :P